In most cases, you should remove full or partial dentures before going to sleep. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends leaving dentures out for at least four hours during every 24-hour period and says nighttime is generally the best time to do so.
Removing your dentures at night gives the tissues underneath them a break and provides an opportunity to thoroughly clean both your dentures and your mouth.
There are situations in which your dentist may give you different instructions, particularly when dentures are new or have recently been adjusted. Always follow the recommendations specific to your treatment.
What Can Happen if You Regularly Sleep With Dentures?
Occasionally falling asleep with your dentures in is different from routinely wearing them overnight. Regular nighttime wear may contribute to:
- Denture stomatitis: Redness and inflammation of the tissue underneath a denture.
- Plaque and biofilm buildup: Dentures accumulate bacteria and other microorganisms and need to
- be cleaned daily.
- Irritation and sore spots: Continuous contact gives the tissues underneath the denture less time to
- recover.
- Yeast overgrowth: Candida can accumulate on dentures and contribute to inflammation.
- Problems from an improper fit: A loose or poorly fitting denture can cause irritation, sores, and
- other problems if not addressed.
Good daily hygiene and giving your mouth time without the dentures are important parts of keeping the supporting tissues healthy.
What if You Accidentally Sleep in Your Dentures?
If you occasionally fall asleep with your dentures in, remove them when you wake up and clean them normally.
Rinse away loose food and adhesive, brush the dentures with a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser, and clean your gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth before putting the dentures back in.
If you notice persistent soreness, redness, swelling, bleeding, white or red patches, or a change in how your dentures fit, contact your dental team.
Are There Times When You Should Wear Dentures Overnight?
Occasionally.
For example, your dentist may initially ask you to wear a new denture or partial for a longer period so areas requiring adjustment can be identified. There may also be other circumstances in which your dentist gives you temporary instructions that differ from the usual nighttime routine.
If you have been instructed to sleep in your dentures, follow those directions and ask when you should return to removing them at night.
How Should You Clean Dentures Before Bed?
- Remove them carefully. Consider doing this over a folded towel or a sink partially filled with water
- in case you drop them.
- Rinse away food and adhesive.
- Brush the dentures gently with a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Use denture-cleaning solution according to its directions. Rinse the dentures thoroughly before
- putting them back in your mouth.
- Clean your mouth, too. Brush your gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth to remove
- plaque and debris.
- Store your dentures properly overnight according to your dentist’s recommendations.
Avoid regular toothpaste unless your dentist recommends a product specifically designed for dentures. Many conventional toothpastes are abrasive enough to scratch denture surfaces.
How Should Dentures Be Stored Overnight?
Unless your dentist or the manufacturer instructs otherwise, dentures should generally be kept moist when they are not being worn. Depending on the type of denture, your dentist may recommend storing it in water or an appropriate denture-soaking solution.
Follow the instructions for your particular denture and cleaning product.
Avoid:
- Hot or boiling water, which can warp dentures
- Bleach and household cleaners unless your dentist specifically recommends them
- Abrasive or powdered household cleaners
Do not assume that a cleaning solution is appropriate for overnight soaking. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Should Partial Dentures Be Removed at Night?
Generally, yes.
The ADA’s recommendation to remove dentures at night applies to both full and partial dentures. Removing a partial also allows you to thoroughly clean the appliance, including around its clasps, as well as the natural teeth and gums underneath and around it.
Your dentist may occasionally give you different instructions, particularly with a new partial.
When Should Your Dentures Be Checked?
Contact your dental team if you notice:
- Persistent redness or irritation
- Sore spots or ulcers
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- A persistent burning sensation
- White or red patches that do not resolve
- Persistent bad breath despite proper cleaning
- A denture that feels loose or unstable
- A noticeable change in fit
- A cracked, chipped, or broken denture
- A loose or broken denture tooth
Some denture-related inflammation can occur without significant discomfort, which is one reason regular dental examinations remain important even if your dentures feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Hours Should Dentures Be Left Out?
The ADA recommends leaving dentures out for at least four hours during each 24-hour period and says nighttime is generally the best time.
Your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your individual needs.
Can You Sleep With Partial Dentures?
Generally, partial dentures should also be removed before bed unless your dentist has instructed you otherwise.
After cleaning, store the partial according to your dentist’s recommendations, typically in water or an appropriate soaking solution.
Should Dentures Be Stored Wet or Dry?
Dentures are generally stored wet to help prevent them from drying out or losing their shape. Follow your dentist’s recommendations and the storage instructions for your particular type of denture.
Can You Use Toothpaste to Clean Dentures?
Regular toothpaste is generally not recommended because many toothpastes designed for natural teeth are abrasive and can scratch dentures.
Instead, use a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser recommended for your appliance.
What Happens if You Forget to Remove Your Dentures at Night?
If it happens occasionally, remove and clean your dentures and your mouth when you wake up, then return to your normal routine.
The bigger concern is routinely sleeping in dentures, which reduces the time your oral tissues have to rest
and can contribute to plaque accumulation and inflammation.
When Should Denture Soreness Be Examined?
Minor irritation can sometimes occur, particularly with new or recently adjusted dentures. Persistent soreness, redness, ulcers, bleeding, swelling, or changes in fit should be evaluated by your dental team.
Do not continue tolerating a denture that consistently hurts or no longer fits properly. It may need an adjustment, reline, repair, or replacement.
Questions About Your Dentures?
If you are experiencing persistent irritation, or notice that your dentures no longer fit properly, contact our clinical team for an evaluation.
To schedule an appointment or ask a question, call (855) 328-6646.
Related Articles
This article provides general patient education and is not a substitute for individualized dental advice. Your dentist may provide different instructions based on your specific type of denture and oral health.
Sources
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy — Healthy Teeth and Gums: Adults Over 60
- American College of Prosthodontists — Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Care and Maintenance of
- Complete Dentures
- Journal of Prosthodontics — Denture Stomatitis: An Interdisciplinary Clinical Review
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy — Dentures
- American Dental Association — Oral Health Topics: Denture Care and Maintenance
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy — Removable Partial Dentures
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy — Gum Disease
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy — Oral Cancer
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy — Bad Breath
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research — Burning Mouth
Dr. Serino is the lead dentist at Cunning Dental in Montclair, CA with over 16 years of experience providing exceptional general, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. As a licensed California dentist, he combines advanced clinical training with a deeply compassionate, patient-first philosophy, ensuring each visit is comfortable, transparent, and tailored to individual needs. Dr. Serino is committed to building lasting relationships within the Montclair community, offering trusted, high-quality dental services for individuals and families throughout the area.